The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has broken its silence on the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan calling for peace and stability. The group said that Afghanistan should not be allowed as a haven for terror groups.

OIC warn against Afghanistan becoming 'terror haven', calls for peace and stability

In a rare development, the Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia Dr&nbsp;Ausaf Sayeed and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Dr&nbsp;Yousef Al-Othaimeen held a meeting on Monday.

The meeting took place at OIC headquarters in Jeddah which is being described as a "courtesy visit" in a release by the body.&nbsp;

According to OIC release, during the meeting, Secretary-General Dr&nbsp;Yousef Al-Othaimeen "conveyed the desire...to dispatch a delegation" to Kashmir and called for a "possibility of a meeting between Pakistan and India" in which the body is "ready to assist if the two parties would so request."&nbsp;

OIC calling for a meet comes even as New Delhi and Islamabad have been engaged in back-channel diplomacy. But recent incidents of a drone attack in Jammu&nbsp;and drone breaching security of Indian mission in Islamabad has cast a shadow on the positive developments.

The last such engagement between India and OIC took place in 2019&nbsp;when the then Indian EAM Sushma Swaraj was invited as the "guest of honour" at the OIC meeting.

The invite was extended by the host UAE for the OIC annual FMs meet that took place in Abu Dhabi. Islamabad&nbsp;which sees the grouping as its area of influence was not very happy about the development.

OIC and India don't share a very positive relationship&nbsp;with India hitting out at the body a number of times for raking up the Kashmir issue. The body, at the behest of Pakistan, has many times raked Kashmir&nbsp;irking New Delhi.&nbsp;

In a rare development, the Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen held a meeting on Monday.

In a rare development, the Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen held a meeting on Monday. The meeting took place at OIC headquarters in Jeddah which is being described as a "courtesy visit" in a release by the body. According to OIC release, during the meeting, Secretary-General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen "conveyed the desire...to dispatch a delegation" to Kashmir and called for a "possibility of a meeting between Pakistan and India" in which the body is "ready to assist if the two parties would so request." OIC calling for a meet comes even as New Delhi and Islamabad have been engaged in back-channel diplomacy. But recent incidents of a drone attack in Jammu and drone breaching security of Indian mission in Islamabad has cast a shadow on the positive developments. The last such engagement between India and OIC took place in 2019 when the then Indian EAM Sushma Swaraj was invited as the "guest of honour" at the OIC meeting. The invite was extended by the host UAE for the OIC annual FMs meet that took place in Abu Dhabi. Islamabad which sees the grouping as its area of influence was not very happy about the development. OIC and India don't share a very positive relationship with India hitting out at the body a number of times for raking up the Kashmir issue. The body, at the behest of Pakistan, has many times raked Kashmir irking New Delhi.

In rare development, Indian envoy in Saudi Arabia, OIC chief hold meeting

India on Sunday rejected the criticism of its Jammu & Kashmir policy by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Ministry of External Affairs hinted at Pakistan and said that OIC is being used by that country for its campaign against India.

India rejects 'unwarranted' claims to Jammu & Kashmir in OIC resolutions

The government of India on Sunday rejected remarks about the Kashmir issue in resolutions adopted at a meeting in Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), describing them as “factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted”.

India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable."

"We strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India in resolutions adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) at the 47th CFM Session in Niamey," the MEA said.

"We have always maintained that OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India," it said.

The OIC is a grouping of Muslim-majority nations.

"It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda," the MEA said.

It said India strongly advises the OIC to refrain from making such references in future.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of India on Sunday rejected remarks about the Kashmir issue in resolutions adopted at a meeting in Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), describing them as “factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted”.

The government of India on Sunday rejected remarks about the Kashmir issue in resolutions adopted at a meeting in Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), describing them as “factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted”. India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable." "We strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India in resolutions adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) at the 47th CFM Session in Niamey," the MEA said. "We have always maintained that OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India," it said. The OIC is a grouping of Muslim-majority nations. "It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda," the MEA said. It said India strongly advises the OIC to refrain from making such references in future. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions

India on ,Monday hits out at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation over it's statement on Jammu and kashmir. 'OIC has no locus standi', says India.

India hits out at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation over J&K's statement

With Kashmir being once again mentioned at the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) resolution, India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable."

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda."

The resolution after the 47th foreign ministers' meeting in Niger's capital Niamey had made a mention on Kashmir. This year's statement by India stands out since for the first time New Delhi has pointed out Pakistan's infructuous role at OIC.

MEA said that (we) "strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India" in the resolution, reminding, "OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India, including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India."

"We strongly advise the OIC to refrain from making such references in future," MEA added.

India has strongly reacted every time OIC has made reference to Kashmir, and MEA's statements after the recent OIC FMs meet in Abu Dhabi (2019), Dhaka (2018), Abidjan (2017), Tashkent (2016) reminded the grouping not to make comments on matters internal to the country.

While this year's OIC resolution did mention Kashmir, which happens every year, it wasn't something high on the agenda with no public discussion on it at the meet in Niger. Pakistan has been demanding a special meet of OIC FMs on Kashmir since India in 2019 removed the special status for the erstwhile status of Jammu and Kashmir, but failed to garner support. In fact, at the Niamey meet last week, no OIC contact group on Kashmir met.

With Kashmir being once again mentioned at the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) resolution, India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable.

With Kashmir being once again mentioned at the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) resolution, India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable." The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda." The resolution after the 47th foreign ministers' meeting in Niger's capital Niamey had made a mention on Kashmir. This year's statement by India stands out since for the first time New Delhi has pointed out Pakistan's infructuous role at OIC. MEA said that (we) "strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India" in the resolution, reminding, "OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India, including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India." "We strongly advise the OIC to refrain from making such references in future," MEA added. India has strongly reacted every time OIC has made reference to Kashmir, and MEA's statements after the recent OIC FMs meet in Abu Dhabi (2019), Dhaka (2018), Abidjan (2017), Tashkent (2016) reminded the grouping not to make comments on matters internal to the country. While this year's OIC resolution did mention Kashmir, which happens every year, it wasn't something high on the agenda with no public discussion on it at the meet in Niger. Pakistan has been demanding a special meet of OIC FMs on Kashmir since India in 2019 removed the special status for the erstwhile status of Jammu and Kashmir, but failed to garner support. In fact, at the Niamey meet last week, no OIC contact group on Kashmir met.

'Regrettable' that OIC continues to be used by Pakistan: India

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago. 
 
In the latest attempt to slam India for its decision to fully mainstream Kashmir with the rest of India, it was once again Pakistan`s light-headed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who had an egg on his face. Qureshi was left red-faced after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), holding its 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Niger`s Niamey, snubbed Pakistan by making no mention of Kashmir in its agenda. 
 
Despite the embarrassment, Qureshi, took the `Islamophobia` route to mention Kashmir in his speech, another wasted exercise, as the participating ministers remained focused on session`s theme "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/never-pressured-by-military-leadership-on-any-matter-imran-khan-346205" hreflang="en">Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan</a> 
 
The OIC, through its Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen, had made it aptly clear that the agenda of this year`s Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session would include a list of topics and "issues of concern" to the Muslim world. 
 
"In addition to the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, Islamophobia and defamation of religious, the Council will discuss the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters," the OIC, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents, said in a statement released prior to the meeting. 
 
The much-expected agenda though came as a huge shocker for Pakistan which had for long been demanding a special OIC meeting on Kashmir.

"The meeting has not been convened so far because the Saudis, who wield a virtual veto in the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, has not supported Islamabad`s move. The latest omission of Kashmir from the agenda of the regular foreign ministers` meeting comes at a time when ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia/UAE remain strained over what Pakistani diplomats say are `unfulfilled expectations`," Pakistan`s leading daily Dawn said in a report.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-bhutto-slams-imran-khans-heartless-government-for-sacking-over-4500-psm-employees-346106" hreflang="en">Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees</a> 
 
Qureshi was to face more embarrassment after landing in Niger along with Sardar Masood Khan, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
 
The duo referred Niger as a "brotherly Islamic country" and urged the founding member of the OIC to raise the Kashmir issue at the forum of African Union (AU) and various other international platforms. 
 
But, as the two-day session kicked off on Friday, neither Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, nor any other participating country diverted from the pre-decided agenda. 
 
OIC Secretary General Al-Othaimeen said that the choice of the theme for the session, "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development", is a strong reminder that "terrorism is the single most serious threat to the region and the world, given its negative impact on growth rates and cooperation ties, in addition to worsening Human Development Indices (HDI) ranking". 
 
He also valued the role assigned to the OIC Sawt al-Hikma (Voice of Wisdom) Center, which acts in coordination with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to bring reason to bear and promote moderation and tolerance.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago. In the latest attempt to slam India for its decision to fully mainstream Kashmir with the rest of India, it was once again Pakistan`s light-headed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who had an egg on his face. Qureshi was left red-faced after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), holding its 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Niger`s Niamey, snubbed Pakistan by making no mention of Kashmir in its agenda. Despite the embarrassment, Qureshi, took the `Islamophobia` route to mention Kashmir in his speech, another wasted exercise, as the participating ministers remained focused on session`s theme "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development". Also read| Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan The OIC, through its Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen, had made it aptly clear that the agenda of this year`s Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session would include a list of topics and "issues of concern" to the Muslim world. "In addition to the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, Islamophobia and defamation of religious, the Council will discuss the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters," the OIC, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents, said in a statement released prior to the meeting. The much-expected agenda though came as a huge shocker for Pakistan which had for long been demanding a special OIC meeting on Kashmir. "The meeting has not been convened so far because the Saudis, who wield a virtual veto in the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, has not supported Islamabad`s move. The latest omission of Kashmir from the agenda of the regular foreign ministers` meeting comes at a time when ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia/UAE remain strained over what Pakistani diplomats say are `unfulfilled expectations`," Pakistan`s leading daily Dawn said in a report. Also read| Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees Qureshi was to face more embarrassment after landing in Niger along with Sardar Masood Khan, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The duo referred Niger as a "brotherly Islamic country" and urged the founding member of the OIC to raise the Kashmir issue at the forum of African Union (AU) and various other international platforms. But, as the two-day session kicked off on Friday, neither Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, nor any other participating country diverted from the pre-decided agenda. OIC Secretary General Al-Othaimeen said that the choice of the theme for the session, "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development", is a strong reminder that "terrorism is the single most serious threat to the region and the world, given its negative impact on growth rates and cooperation ties, in addition to worsening Human Development Indices (HDI) ranking". He also valued the role assigned to the OIC Sawt al-Hikma (Voice of Wisdom) Center, which acts in coordination with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to bring reason to bear and promote moderation and tolerance.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Kashmir campaign bombs at Islamic meet

In a major snub to Pakistan, Kashmir is not on the agenda of a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This is not the first time that Pakistan has suffered a setback at the OIC.

Major Snub To Pakistan: OIC agenda fails to mention Kashmir

For years, Islamabad has enjoyed a privileged status at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic co-operation). It was a go-to platform for Pakistan whenever it wanted to make a statement against India. But despite being the second-largest member of the OIC, Now, Pakistan is losing its voice at this forum .

How Pakistan fell out of favour with O.I.C

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019.

Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!"

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The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! <a href="https://t.co/RM9C2MNq1x">pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x</a>
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1332324120965623809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year.&nbsp;

A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa."

The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project.&nbsp;

The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019. Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!" The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of @OIC_OCI, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 27, 2020 × The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year. A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa." The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project. The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

OIC meet takes place at India-built convention centre in Niger

On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister was in West Asia. He was meeting top leaders of the gulf world. Pakistan on the other hand was getting snubbed overtime. 
&nbsp; 
UAE has stopped issuing visa to Pakistanis because of security reasons, say reports. The gulf is gradually pulling away from Pakistan and coming closer to India.

Pakistan has done enough, and more to disappoint its Arab allies.

But there are likely more reasons behind Arab World shunning Pakistan

Firstly, there is Pakistan's obsession with Kashmir. This obsession has been there since 1947. Pakistan has fought wars, framed its foreign policies around Kashmir, exported terror to Kashmir, moved world bodies over Kashmir. And after India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan threatened the OIC Chair, Saudi Arabia just because it refused to hold a special session over Kashmir.

But Pakistan's threats to Riyadh were duly registered and that is one of the reasons why gulf countries sidelined Pakistan.

The gulf has grown to realise that anchoring ties on religion alone will not give it long term allies.

There are other aspects that the Arab world needs to acknowledge when picking sides between India and Pakistan.

The gulf has grown to realise that it needs to have India by its side as it heads into the future, opens up its economy and normalises ties with countries like Israel.

Saudi Arabia's bilateral trade with India amounts to USD 33.07 billion.

With Pakistan the number in 2017-18 was USD 1.8 billion.

The India-UAE bilateral trade stands at USD 60 billion. While Pakistan's trade volume with UAE stands at 8 billion dollars.

India is a vital economic partner of the gulf, With annual trade amounting to nearly 100 billion dollars. India also comes with far too many avenues of cooperation, From technology to oil.

India also offers investment opportunities, something that a bleeding economy like Pakistan does not.

West Asia is investing in India, and Indian companies have partnerships with their gulf counterparts.

At least 8 million Indians work in the region. Over 2.2 million of them work in the UAE alone.

So India has a multi-faceted relationship with the gulf countries. But Pakistan has questionable reputation. It is the world's biggest terror exporter. It is home to terror groups like Jamat ud-Dawah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Pakistan is a safe haven for terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. It is under the spotlight of the global anti-terror financing watchdog, the FATF.

As if this wasn't enough. Pakistan is also a sinking economy. With Pakistan, the Arab world has a lender-lendee equation. With India, the gulf has a partner.

A country of 1.4 billion that is pitted to become a 5 trillion dollar economy.

India spells opportunity. Pakistan is more of a liability.

Also, India has had historical ties with the Arab world and they have been defined by trust. Indian Rupee was even a legal tender in UAE long before Dirham.

Moreover, if Pakistan's ties with the gulf are defined on religious lines, it is India that has the world's second-largest Muslim population. In 2019, a record 2 lakh Indian pilgrims went to the Hajj.

So if it comes to the question of siding with either India or Pakistan, the Arab world has made its choice, it has reset its priorities. It has picked an ally that is reliable.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister was in West Asia. He was meeting top leaders of the gulf world. Pakistan on the other hand was getting snubbed overtime.

On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister was in West Asia. He was meeting top leaders of the gulf world. Pakistan on the other hand was getting snubbed overtime. UAE has stopped issuing visa to Pakistanis because of security reasons, say reports. The gulf is gradually pulling away from Pakistan and coming closer to India. Pakistan has done enough, and more to disappoint its Arab allies. But there are likely more reasons behind Arab World shunning Pakistan Firstly, there is Pakistan's obsession with Kashmir. This obsession has been there since 1947. Pakistan has fought wars, framed its foreign policies around Kashmir, exported terror to Kashmir, moved world bodies over Kashmir. And after India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan threatened the OIC Chair, Saudi Arabia just because it refused to hold a special session over Kashmir. But Pakistan's threats to Riyadh were duly registered and that is one of the reasons why gulf countries sidelined Pakistan. The gulf has grown to realise that anchoring ties on religion alone will not give it long term allies. There are other aspects that the Arab world needs to acknowledge when picking sides between India and Pakistan. The gulf has grown to realise that it needs to have India by its side as it heads into the future, opens up its economy and normalises ties with countries like Israel. Saudi Arabia's bilateral trade with India amounts to USD 33.07 billion. With Pakistan the number in 2017-18 was USD 1.8 billion. The India-UAE bilateral trade stands at USD 60 billion. While Pakistan's trade volume with UAE stands at 8 billion dollars. India is a vital economic partner of the gulf, With annual trade amounting to nearly 100 billion dollars. India also comes with far too many avenues of cooperation, From technology to oil. India also offers investment opportunities, something that a bleeding economy like Pakistan does not. West Asia is investing in India, and Indian companies have partnerships with their gulf counterparts. At least 8 million Indians work in the region. Over 2.2 million of them work in the UAE alone. So India has a multi-faceted relationship with the gulf countries. But Pakistan has questionable reputation. It is the world's biggest terror exporter. It is home to terror groups like Jamat ud-Dawah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistan is a safe haven for terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. It is under the spotlight of the global anti-terror financing watchdog, the FATF. As if this wasn't enough. Pakistan is also a sinking economy. With Pakistan, the Arab world has a lender-lendee equation. With India, the gulf has a partner. A country of 1.4 billion that is pitted to become a 5 trillion dollar economy. India spells opportunity. Pakistan is more of a liability. Also, India has had historical ties with the Arab world and they have been defined by trust. Indian Rupee was even a legal tender in UAE long before Dirham. Moreover, if Pakistan's ties with the gulf are defined on religious lines, it is India that has the world's second-largest Muslim population. In 2019, a record 2 lakh Indian pilgrims went to the Hajj. So if it comes to the question of siding with either India or Pakistan, the Arab world has made its choice, it has reset its priorities. It has picked an ally that is reliable.

Arab world witnesses a reset, moves closer to India

For years, Islamabad has enjoyed a privileged status at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic co-operation). It was a go-to platform for Pakistan whenever it wanted to make a statement against India. But despite being the second-largest member of the OIC, Pakistan fell out of favour.

For years, Pakistan has used the platform at oic to rant against india. India is not a member of this grouping. Now, Pakistan is losing its voice at this forum&nbsp;

The falling out began last year when India's then foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj was was invited as a guest of honour by the OIC. Pakistan had then boycotted the session.

Then came the ultimatum from Pakistan. Its foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi sent this message to Saudi Arabia which is the de-facto leader of the OIC.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistanis-join-final-trials-for-china-made-vaccine-345589">Pakistanis join final trials for China-made vaccine</a> 
 
Pakistan has been obsessed with Kashmir but key OIC members like Saudi Arabia haven't shown much interest.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan then started looking for alternative options, which made the matters worse.

Imran Khan met with leaders of Turkey and Malaysia at the UN in order to forge a new Islamic alliance that could potentially challenge the OIC.

Although the new alliance is yet to take off, only the declaration brought a split within Muslim world out in open.

Leading Muslim nations saw Pakistan's moves as a betrayal. And Saudi Arabia, which wields considerable power within OIC punished Pakistan for its actions.

After an ultimatum from Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Riyadh denied oil supply to Pakistan on deferred payments and demanded the return of a three billion dollar loan. Pakistan managed to pay back only 1 million

Saudi Arabia has lost its patience with Pakistan.

A major fallout of this has been that OIC has been refusing to discuss Kashmir issue. The official statement does not have mention of Kashmir.

For years, Islamabad has enjoyed a privileged status at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic co-operation). It was a go-to platform for Pakistan whenever it wanted to make a statement against India.

For years, Islamabad has enjoyed a privileged status at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic co-operation). It was a go-to platform for Pakistan whenever it wanted to make a statement against India. But despite being the second-largest member of the OIC, Pakistan fell out of favour. For years, Pakistan has used the platform at oic to rant against india. India is not a member of this grouping. Now, Pakistan is losing its voice at this forum The falling out began last year when India's then foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj was was invited as a guest of honour by the OIC. Pakistan had then boycotted the session. Then came the ultimatum from Pakistan. Its foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi sent this message to Saudi Arabia which is the de-facto leader of the OIC. Also Read | Pakistanis join final trials for China-made vaccine Pakistan has been obsessed with Kashmir but key OIC members like Saudi Arabia haven't shown much interest. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan then started looking for alternative options, which made the matters worse. Imran Khan met with leaders of Turkey and Malaysia at the UN in order to forge a new Islamic alliance that could potentially challenge the OIC. Although the new alliance is yet to take off, only the declaration brought a split within Muslim world out in open. Leading Muslim nations saw Pakistan's moves as a betrayal. And Saudi Arabia, which wields considerable power within OIC punished Pakistan for its actions. After an ultimatum from Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Riyadh denied oil supply to Pakistan on deferred payments and demanded the return of a three billion dollar loan. Pakistan managed to pay back only 1 million Saudi Arabia has lost its patience with Pakistan. A major fallout of this has been that OIC has been refusing to discuss Kashmir issue. The official statement does not have mention of Kashmir.

This is how Pakistan fell out of favour with OIC

After the United Nations, the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has now been snubbed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation(OIC) which is the largest alliance of Muslim countries as it has decided to not discuss Kashmir.

For months, Pakistan has been demanding discussion on Kashmir and wanted the OIC to raise the issue. It wanted its members to join its propaganda drive against India, however, the OIC has snubbed Pakistan.

The meeting it taking place in Niger and the theme is "united against terrorism for peace and development". Several topics are on the agenda this time. The statement has an entire list but there is no mention of Kashmir.

The OIC issued a statement in Arabic too but no mention was made on Kashmir. Pakistan has been living in denial over the issue. A statement from the country's foreign ministry said Kashmir will be discussed, but there has been no mention of it in the OIC agenda.

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will be in Niger for the meeting. However, it is not the first time that the OIC has rejected Pakistan's demand.&nbsp;

On the occasion of the 14th session of the Islamic summit conference, Pakistan wanted Kashmir mentioned in the Mecca declaration, however, the request was denied, then, Pakistan began a campaign demanding an extraordinary session of OIC foreign ministers but it didn't happen instead something extraordinary happened - the OIC extended an invite to Sushma Swaraj last year.

In March 2019, the then external affairs minister addressed the foreign ministers meet in Abu Dhabi, but Pakistan boycotted the session but it didn't stop pursuing a hearing at OIC but it hasn't got one. The reason is the lack of support for Pakistan within the OIC.

Last year there was no mention of Kashmir in OIC's final dispatch sent after the meeting of foreign ministers in March. The same meeting was attended by late Sushma Swaraj. A report published by a Pakistani news outlet had called it "a source of embarrassment" for Pakistan. 
&nbsp; 
Islamabad made another attempt this year. In May, Pakistan made a move at the United Nations. The country's permanent representative at the UN Munir Akram made a demand before the OIC member nations. He wanted to create an informal group against India in the name of countering Islamophobia, but it was shot down.

The proposal was made at a routine meeting of the envoys of OIC countries at the United Nations. According to the media of Pakistan, it was the UAE and the Maldives that rejected Pakistan's proposal as Pakistan wanted to create a lobbying group at the UN. The demand was rejected by the envoys representing OIC countries.

On the other hand, India is attempting a West Asia outreach with Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar on a three-nation tour. Jaishankar was in the UAE today which is one of the OIC members and a key ally for India.

There was a time when Pakistan flaunted its ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, now both Arab powers seem to have dumped Pakistan.

After the United Nations, the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has now been snubbed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation(OIC) which is the largest alliance of Muslim countries as it has decided to not discuss Kashmir.

After the United Nations, the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has now been snubbed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation(OIC) which is the largest alliance of Muslim countries as it has decided to not discuss Kashmir. For months, Pakistan has been demanding discussion on Kashmir and wanted the OIC to raise the issue. It wanted its members to join its propaganda drive against India, however, the OIC has snubbed Pakistan. The meeting it taking place in Niger and the theme is "united against terrorism for peace and development". Several topics are on the agenda this time. The statement has an entire list but there is no mention of Kashmir. The OIC issued a statement in Arabic too but no mention was made on Kashmir. Pakistan has been living in denial over the issue. A statement from the country's foreign ministry said Kashmir will be discussed, but there has been no mention of it in the OIC agenda. Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will be in Niger for the meeting. However, it is not the first time that the OIC has rejected Pakistan's demand. On the occasion of the 14th session of the Islamic summit conference, Pakistan wanted Kashmir mentioned in the Mecca declaration, however, the request was denied, then, Pakistan began a campaign demanding an extraordinary session of OIC foreign ministers but it didn't happen instead something extraordinary happened - the OIC extended an invite to Sushma Swaraj last year. In March 2019, the then external affairs minister addressed the foreign ministers meet in Abu Dhabi, but Pakistan boycotted the session but it didn't stop pursuing a hearing at OIC but it hasn't got one. The reason is the lack of support for Pakistan within the OIC. Last year there was no mention of Kashmir in OIC's final dispatch sent after the meeting of foreign ministers in March. The same meeting was attended by late Sushma Swaraj. A report published by a Pakistani news outlet had called it "a source of embarrassment" for Pakistan. Islamabad made another attempt this year. In May, Pakistan made a move at the United Nations. The country's permanent representative at the UN Munir Akram made a demand before the OIC member nations. He wanted to create an informal group against India in the name of countering Islamophobia, but it was shot down. The proposal was made at a routine meeting of the envoys of OIC countries at the United Nations. According to the media of Pakistan, it was the UAE and the Maldives that rejected Pakistan's proposal as Pakistan wanted to create a lobbying group at the UN. The demand was rejected by the envoys representing OIC countries. On the other hand, India is attempting a West Asia outreach with Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar on a three-nation tour. Jaishankar was in the UAE today which is one of the OIC members and a key ally for India. There was a time when Pakistan flaunted its ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, now both Arab powers seem to have dumped Pakistan.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation snubs Pakistan on Kashmir again

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human Rights Council (UNHRC) after they raked the Kashmir matter at the Geneva-based body.

India: OIC has allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.&nbsp;

First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-sco-charter-puts-map-showing-kashmir-in-sco-nsa-meet-as-india-protests-327747" hreflang="en">Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests</a>

Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.'

Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva&nbsp;himself but got no traction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-saving-lives-as-well-as-livelihoods-india-lists-covid-19-strategy-at-un-327721" hreflang="en">Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN</a>

On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so."

On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices."

Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer&nbsp;of nuclear know-how.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body. First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir." Also read: Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.' Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva himself but got no traction. Also read: Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so." On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices." Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer of nuclear know-how.

India slams Pakistan, Turkey and OIC at human rights council after they rake Kashmir

Imran Khan has received an award from the Muslim 500, an annual publication which ranks the most influential Muslims in the world.

It is compiled by the Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre.

According to them, Imran Khan is currently the 16th most influential Muslim in the world and they have named him the 'Man of the Year'.

Social media is filled with congratulatory messages for Imran Khan.&nbsp;

Pakistan's media is celebrating, they're calling it a moment of pride. &nbsp;News channels are running special broadcasts and the print media has fancy headlines about the prime minister.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-imran-khan-named-man-of-the-year-322861/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There were few accomplishments mentioned by Pakistan's media:

Number one, the report says that Imran Khan deserves this honour&nbsp;for his efforts for long-lasting peace with India. Imran Khan issued a nuclear threat at the un general assembly session last year.

Now his ministers are issuing threats about nuclear warheads.

Number two, fighting corruption. According to Pak media, &nbsp;"having the money returned to the nation is proving to be more difficult, although some progress has been made."

Recently, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the government's anti-corruption agency to end abuses.

Last month, a Pakistani journalist who accused Islamabad of corruption in Balochistan --- was shot dead.

Meanwhile, a minister who engaged in money laundering &amp; smuggling still roams free. Dr Zafar Mirza, the health minister of Pakistan who smuggled 20 million masks to China.

He has now been acquitted and he is not the only one. There's a coterie of corrupt ministers in the Imran Khan government.

Last month, WION reported that six advisors to Imran Khan had dual citizenship. They had assets worth millions of dollars abroad and how they had forged the price of their assets in their financial declarations.

Number three, the report praises Imran Khan for transforming Pakistan's economy. GDP growth rate is down to zero point five per cent. Inflation is in double digits. The currency has depreciated by 35 per cent. Pakistan is still surviving on international loans.

Number four, the report says that Imran Khan has improved Pakistan's international relations and that except for India.&nbsp;

Pakistan's tiff with the gulf states-- is growing. Saudi Arabia is demanding loan repayment and won't give any more free oil. The UAE isn't pleased with Pakistan over its statements on the Israel deal.

The Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) has refused to back Pakistan on Kashmir.

As for the ties with the United States, the aid cut is a matter of record and Pakistan's closeness with China won't win it any brownie points with the US.

Number five, the Muslim 500 says that Imran Khan is the man of the year because he is a sporting legend. He led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 cricket World Cup.

He was quite a star, back in the day. Even in that world cup, he scored a duck against the Indian team.

Imran Khan has received an award from the Muslim 500, an annual publication which ranks the most influential Muslims in the world. It is compiled by the Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre.

Imran Khan has received an award from the Muslim 500, an annual publication which ranks the most influential Muslims in the world. It is compiled by the Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. According to them, Imran Khan is currently the 16th most influential Muslim in the world and they have named him the 'Man of the Year'. Social media is filled with congratulatory messages for Imran Khan. Pakistan's media is celebrating, they're calling it a moment of pride. News channels are running special broadcasts and the print media has fancy headlines about the prime minister. There were few accomplishments mentioned by Pakistan's media: Number one, the report says that Imran Khan deserves this honour for his efforts for long-lasting peace with India. Imran Khan issued a nuclear threat at the un general assembly session last year. Now his ministers are issuing threats about nuclear warheads. Number two, fighting corruption. According to Pak media, "having the money returned to the nation is proving to be more difficult, although some progress has been made." Recently, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the government's anti-corruption agency to end abuses. Last month, a Pakistani journalist who accused Islamabad of corruption in Balochistan --- was shot dead. Meanwhile, a minister who engaged in money laundering & smuggling still roams free. Dr Zafar Mirza, the health minister of Pakistan who smuggled 20 million masks to China. He has now been acquitted and he is not the only one. There's a coterie of corrupt ministers in the Imran Khan government. Last month, WION reported that six advisors to Imran Khan had dual citizenship. They had assets worth millions of dollars abroad and how they had forged the price of their assets in their financial declarations. Number three, the report praises Imran Khan for transforming Pakistan's economy. GDP growth rate is down to zero point five per cent. Inflation is in double digits. The currency has depreciated by 35 per cent. Pakistan is still surviving on international loans. Number four, the report says that Imran Khan has improved Pakistan's international relations and that except for India. Pakistan's tiff with the gulf states-- is growing. Saudi Arabia is demanding loan repayment and won't give any more free oil. The UAE isn't pleased with Pakistan over its statements on the Israel deal. The Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) has refused to back Pakistan on Kashmir. As for the ties with the United States, the aid cut is a matter of record and Pakistan's closeness with China won't win it any brownie points with the US. Number five, the Muslim 500 says that Imran Khan is the man of the year because he is a sporting legend. He led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 cricket World Cup. He was quite a star, back in the day. Even in that world cup, he scored a duck against the Indian team.

Imran Khan declared the Man of the Year by 'The Muslim 500'

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has openly threatened Saudi Arabia. Critics have said that he is adamant in demolishing one of his country's foreign policy, issuing an ultimatum to either lead the OIC or against India's constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir or else advice Imran Khan to call a session of all the Islamic nations who are ready to stand with Pakistan on this issue. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Pak FM in the eye of diplomatic storm | Pak army chief in damage control mode

Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the eye of a diplomatic storm: Direct attack on Saudi Arabia

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

Qureshi postponed his press conference on Tuesday for the second time as Saudi has reacted strongly against his statements. Pakistan's foreign minister is said to have called the press conference to explain his statements to defuse tensions between the country. However, it seems like Pakistan plans to do more than just a press conference.&nbsp;

Last week, Qureshi, during a meeting of its Council of Foreign Ministers, asked OIC to stop &nbsp;“stop dilly-dallying” on the matter of Kashmir.&nbsp; 
“I am once again respectfully telling OIC that a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is our expectation. If you cannot convene it, then I’ll be compelled to ask Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Islamic countries that are ready to stand with us on the issue of Kashmir and support the oppressed Kashmiris,” he had told a TV channel.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Qureshi's remarks were well under the diplomatic norms.&nbsp;

Pakistan has urged foreign ministers for convening the meeting of the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, the second largest intergovernmental body after the UN since India scrapped Jammu and Kashmir’s special status last August.

Last year, Pakistan skipped the Kuala Lampur summit on a request of Saudi Arabia and Qureshi has urged Riyadh to &nbsp;“show leadership on the issue”.

“We have our own sensitivities. You have to realise this. Gulf countries should understand this,” the foreign minister said.&nbsp;

Qureshi cleared that his statements were not given emotionally and fully understood the implications of his statement. “It’s right, I’m taking a position despite our good ties with Saudi Arabia.”

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's remarks against the Organisation of Islamic Conference led by Saudi Arabia for its inaction on the Kashmir issue has strained the relations between the two countries. Qureshi postponed his press conference on Tuesday for the second time as Saudi has reacted strongly against his statements. Pakistan's foreign minister is said to have called the press conference to explain his statements to defuse tensions between the country. However, it seems like Pakistan plans to do more than just a press conference. Last week, Qureshi, during a meeting of its Council of Foreign Ministers, asked OIC to stop “stop dilly-dallying” on the matter of Kashmir. “I am once again respectfully telling OIC that a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is our expectation. If you cannot convene it, then I’ll be compelled to ask Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Islamic countries that are ready to stand with us on the issue of Kashmir and support the oppressed Kashmiris,” he had told a TV channel. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Qureshi's remarks were well under the diplomatic norms. Pakistan has urged foreign ministers for convening the meeting of the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, the second largest intergovernmental body after the UN since India scrapped Jammu and Kashmir’s special status last August. Last year, Pakistan skipped the Kuala Lampur summit on a request of Saudi Arabia and Qureshi has urged Riyadh to “show leadership on the issue”. “We have our own sensitivities. You have to realise this. Gulf countries should understand this,” the foreign minister said. Qureshi cleared that his statements were not given emotionally and fully understood the implications of his statement. “It’s right, I’m taking a position despite our good ties with Saudi Arabia.”

Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi postpones press briefing after remarks on Saudi Arabia

With the positive cases of the novel coronavirus rising with each passing day, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday told the parliament that postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ‘may become inevitable’ if the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to conduct the Games safely.

With the positive cases of the novel coronavirus rising with each passing day, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday told the parliament that postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ‘may become inevitable’ if the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to conduct the Games safely. Abe said that Japan is still completely committed to a ‘complete’ Games while adding that postponement is inevitable considering the safety and welfare of athletes first. Abe in the parliament said: "if that becomes difficult, in light of considering athletes first, it may become inevitable that we make a decision to postpone." Abe’s comments were his first agreeing to the possibility that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics may not go ahead as per the schedule on July 24 as the novel coronavirus continues to spread like a wildfire. Furthermore, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also tweaked their stance on the Tokyo Games as it said it would be stepping up planning for different scenarios, including postponement if the condition surrounding COVID-19 continues to deteriorate. “Cancellation is not an option” However, Abe echoed IOC chief Thomas Bach’s comments by saying “cancellation is not an option”. Earlier, Bach had said that cancelling the 2020 Tokyo Olympics "would not solve any problem and would help nobody". The onus of any final call lies with the IOC, which has come under immense pressure from athletes and different sporting bodies worldwide as the novel coronavirus scare grows. Athletics Australia completely supports the view of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Paralympics Australia to postpone the Olympic and Paralympic Games until July 2021. ⁣ ⁣https://t.co/4wXZSIQ2FX ⁣#thisisathletics⁣ pic.twitter.com/di7ADw2hOV — Athletics Australia (@AthsAust) March 23, 2020 × On Monday, Australia told its athletes to prepare for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with expectation growing that the quadrennial event would eventually get postponed amid the pandemic. Furthermore, Canada became the first team to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics while urging a year’s postponement. #TeamCanada will not send athletes to Games in summer 2020 due to COVID-19 risks. 🔗https://t.co/AKmI2rbyeO pic.twitter.com/8McEbgirVp — Team Canada (@TeamCanada) March 23, 2020 × "This is not solely about athlete health -- it is about public health," the Canadian Olympic Committee said.

Postponing Tokyo Olympics may become 'inevitable', says Japan PM Abe as coronavirus emergency grows

The spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar on Thursday rebuffed claims of any upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir and dubbed the reports as 'speculative'.

"The reports are entirely speculative. We are not aware of any such meetings of OIC on India related matter," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly briefing.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has said that an OIC meeting of the Foreign Ministers is envisaged, the comments were made by Aisha Farooqui, the newly-appointed spokeswoman of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.&nbsp;

The comments come after a series of reports in Pakistani media quoting diplomatic sources that Saudi Arabia is told to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers on the matter of Kashmir and that it could be held as early as April 2020 in Islamabad.

The move was being looked at as a concession or reward to Pakistan by Saudi Arabia for not participating in the Kuala Lumpur summit.&nbsp;

Diplomatic sources in Pakistan told WION that the dates could fluctuate on the matter as it would depend upon the scheduling and availability of Foreign Ministers of the member countries.

Diplomatic sources told WION that the matter was discussed last week during the visit of the Saudi Foreign Minister to Islamabad.

The possibility to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers was conveyed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office.

Prince Faisal was on a day-long visit to Pakistan to convey the Saudi leadership’s gratitude for not participating in the recently held Kuala Lumpur summit in view of the kingdom’s reservations and dispelling the impression that Riyadh’s attitude towards Islamabad was patronising.

The spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar on Thursday rebuffed claims of any upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir and dubbed the reports as 'speculative'.

The spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar on Thursday rebuffed claims of any upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir and dubbed the reports as 'speculative'. "The reports are entirely speculative. We are not aware of any such meetings of OIC on India related matter," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly briefing. Meanwhile, Pakistan has said that an OIC meeting of the Foreign Ministers is envisaged, the comments were made by Aisha Farooqui, the newly-appointed spokeswoman of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry. The comments come after a series of reports in Pakistani media quoting diplomatic sources that Saudi Arabia is told to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers on the matter of Kashmir and that it could be held as early as April 2020 in Islamabad. The move was being looked at as a concession or reward to Pakistan by Saudi Arabia for not participating in the Kuala Lumpur summit. Diplomatic sources in Pakistan told WION that the dates could fluctuate on the matter as it would depend upon the scheduling and availability of Foreign Ministers of the member countries. Diplomatic sources told WION that the matter was discussed last week during the visit of the Saudi Foreign Minister to Islamabad. The possibility to hold a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers was conveyed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office. Prince Faisal was on a day-long visit to Pakistan to convey the Saudi leadership’s gratitude for not participating in the recently held Kuala Lumpur summit in view of the kingdom’s reservations and dispelling the impression that Riyadh’s attitude towards Islamabad was patronising.

MEA rejects reports of OIC meet on Kashmir, calls it 'entirely speculative'

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, reports from the Pakistani press, quoting Pakistani govt sources emerged that said during the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's Pakistan visit it was agreed that Riyadh can call for an OIC FMs meet on Kashmir/CAA.

While no formal call has been made it doesn't look like an open-ended OIC FMs meet would happen by April 2020, as Pakistani govt sources were claiming. Islamabad could try to form a consensus for OIC Executive Committee Council of FM which includes 4 countries — Saudi Arabia, Gambia, Turkey, UAE. Saudi govt sources have so far said, that they have no information yet on any planned OIC FMs meet.

During Saudi FM's meet with Pakistan FM meet SM Qureshi, "two Foreign Ministers discussed OIC’s role in the advancement of the cause of Kashmir", a Pakistan foreign ministry release said, adding, "The Foreign Minister thanked the Kingdom’s support in OIC Contact Group on Jammu &amp; Kashmir"

The Saudi FM's call on with Pakistani PM Imran Khan also saw Kashmir being raised by the latter. A Pakistani PMO release said, "The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute was discussed."

While no official reaction has come from India on the developments, Indian govt sources told WION that the Jeddah based organisation has no locus standi &amp; New Delhi's position is clear on it.

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed.

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed. Over the weekend, reports from the Pakistani press, quoting Pakistani govt sources emerged that said during the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's Pakistan visit it was agreed that Riyadh can call for an OIC FMs meet on Kashmir/CAA. While no formal call has been made it doesn't look like an open-ended OIC FMs meet would happen by April 2020, as Pakistani govt sources were claiming. Islamabad could try to form a consensus for OIC Executive Committee Council of FM which includes 4 countries — Saudi Arabia, Gambia, Turkey, UAE. Saudi govt sources have so far said, that they have no information yet on any planned OIC FMs meet. During Saudi FM's meet with Pakistan FM meet SM Qureshi, "two Foreign Ministers discussed OIC’s role in the advancement of the cause of Kashmir", a Pakistan foreign ministry release said, adding, "The Foreign Minister thanked the Kingdom’s support in OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir" The Saudi FM's call on with Pakistani PM Imran Khan also saw Kashmir being raised by the latter. A Pakistani PMO release said, "The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu & Kashmir dispute was discussed." While no official reaction has come from India on the developments, Indian govt sources told WION that the Jeddah based organisation has no locus standi & New Delhi's position is clear on it.

No call taken by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on foreign minister meet on Kashmir/CAA yet

OIC, Malaysia Advise India On Citizenship Law. #Gravitas #WIONEdit #OIC #IndianMuslims

WION Edit: OIC, Malaysia Trying To Fish In Troubled Waters?

Analysing The Statement Of OIC Expressing Concerns On The Safety Of Muslims In India. #Gravitas #OIC #IndianMuslims

Gravitas: OIC Lectures India On Minorities

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday said it was closely following the recent developments "affecting" Muslims in India as it voiced concern over the Citizenship Amendment Act. #OIC #WION #CAA #India #Indianminorities

OIC expresses concern over CAA, minorities in India

The organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has rewarded some of its member nations for giving the Kuala Lumpur summit a miss. The OIC has released a statement on India's internal matters. most specifically they have expressed concern over the Citizenship law and Ayodhya verdict that came out last month. #Pakistan #OIC #KLSummit #OICRewardsPakistan

WION Dispatch: OIC rewards Pakistan for skipping KL Summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-fallout-member-of-malaysian-central-government-coalition-says-pm-mahathir-has-overreacted-269450">Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohama</a>d said on Saturday that Iran, Malaysia, Turkey and Qatar are considering trading amongst themselves through gold and barter system in a bid to prevent any future sanctions on them.

"I have suggested that we re-visit the idea of trading using the gold dinar and barter trade among us," Mahathir said, at the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">Islamic summit </a>in Malaysia.&nbsp;

"We are seriously looking into this and we hope that we will be able to find a mechanism to put it into effect."

It should be noted that Iran has been badly affected by the US-imposed sanctions that were put in place last year. The US allies: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have also cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar nearly two and a half years ago over allegations that the country backs terrorism.

The leaders attending the summit agreed that they need to push trade amongst themselves and transact in each other's currencies.&nbsp;

The Malaysian PM praised Iran and Qatar for withstanding economic embargoes and asked the Muslim world to be self-reliant to face future threats.&nbsp;

Mahathir also said that there was concern of Muslims undergoing assimilation in non-Muslim countries.&nbsp;

"We support integration but assimilation to the extent of shedding our religion is unacceptable," the Malaysian prime minister said.

The four-day summit was boycotted by Saudi Arabia, who slammed the event for undermining the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 Muslim-majority nations. Malaysia responded to Saudi's claims by saying that it had invited all the OIC members to the summit but only about 20 nations showed up.

In the last day of the event, no joint statement from the members who attended the summit was released.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Saturday that Iran, Malaysia, Turkey and Qatar are considering trading amongst themselves through gold and barter system in a bid to prevent any future sanctions on them.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Saturday that Iran, Malaysia, Turkey and Qatar are considering trading amongst themselves through gold and barter system in a bid to prevent any future sanctions on them. "I have suggested that we re-visit the idea of trading using the gold dinar and barter trade among us," Mahathir said, at the end of the Islamic summit in Malaysia. "We are seriously looking into this and we hope that we will be able to find a mechanism to put it into effect." It should be noted that Iran has been badly affected by the US-imposed sanctions that were put in place last year. The US allies: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have also cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar nearly two and a half years ago over allegations that the country backs terrorism. The leaders attending the summit agreed that they need to push trade amongst themselves and transact in each other's currencies. The Malaysian PM praised Iran and Qatar for withstanding economic embargoes and asked the Muslim world to be self-reliant to face future threats. Mahathir also said that there was concern of Muslims undergoing assimilation in non-Muslim countries. "We support integration but assimilation to the extent of shedding our religion is unacceptable," the Malaysian prime minister said. The four-day summit was boycotted by Saudi Arabia, who slammed the event for undermining the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 Muslim-majority nations. Malaysia responded to Saudi's claims by saying that it had invited all the OIC members to the summit but only about 20 nations showed up. In the last day of the event, no joint statement from the members who attended the summit was released. (with inputs from Reuters)

Malaysian PM says Muslim nations considering trade through gold, barter system to avoid sanctions

Iran's oil-reliant economy has been hit badly since President Donald Trump last year pulled the United States out of a 2015 multinational nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-european-countries-join-trump-busting-iran-barter-group-265648">sanctions</a>.

At an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">Islamic summit</a> in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-visit-japan-amid-heightened-tensions-with-united-states-268703">Rouhani</a> said it was time for the Muslim world to look inwards, including in insurance.

"We understand that today, many of our economic transactions and activities are dependent on foreign insurance, the insurance coming from big countries," he said in a speech that was translated into English.

"This is why we, as Muslim countries, (if) we are able to cooperate in order to set up insurance, particularly and exclusively for Muslim states, particularly in transport and transit, it will save us from dependence on foreigners."

Ships need various forms of insurance, including annual war-risk cover as well as an additional 'breach' premium when entering high-risk areas.

In the banking sector, Rouhani said Muslim countries should transact in their own currencies, a view that was supported by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

"We have to free <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-bypass-us-sanctions-or-overcome-them-through-negotiations-irans-rouhani-267706">bilateral</a> trade from foreign exchange pressure," Erdogan said at the summit. "Instead of doing trade with foreign currency we would like to do foreign trade with our national currencies."

Iran's oil-reliant economy has been hit badly since President Donald Trump last year pulled the United States out of a 2015 multinational nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed sanctions.

Iran's oil-reliant economy has been hit badly since President Donald Trump last year pulled the United States out of a 2015 multinational nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed sanctions. At an Islamic summit in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, Rouhani said it was time for the Muslim world to look inwards, including in insurance. "We understand that today, many of our economic transactions and activities are dependent on foreign insurance, the insurance coming from big countries," he said in a speech that was translated into English. "This is why we, as Muslim countries, (if) we are able to cooperate in order to set up insurance, particularly and exclusively for Muslim states, particularly in transport and transit, it will save us from dependence on foreigners." Ships need various forms of insurance, including annual war-risk cover as well as an additional 'breach' premium when entering high-risk areas. In the banking sector, Rouhani said Muslim countries should transact in their own currencies, a view that was supported by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. "We have to free bilateral trade from foreign exchange pressure," Erdogan said at the summit. "Instead of doing trade with foreign currency we would like to do foreign trade with our national currencies."

Iran calls for transport insurance for Muslim nations

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia&nbsp;including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">snubbed by Saudi Arabia</a>, home to Islam's holiest shrines.

The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations.

Issues including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rohingya-worlds-fastest-growing-refugee-crisis-267598">plight of Myanmar's Rohingya</a> and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis

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In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani&nbsp;slammed Washington's global clout.

"American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said.

The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries.

The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-parties-meet-as-accord-nears-collapse-266694">Islamic republic's nuclear programme</a>.

In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind".

He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence.

We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said.

With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC.&nbsp;

There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khan-cancels-malaysia-summit-under-saudi-diplomatic-pressure-268893">withdrawing from the gathering</a> reportedly after Saudi pressure.

Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman.&nbsp;

But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes. Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been snubbed by Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest shrines. The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations. Issues including the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted. Also Watch: Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis × In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slammed Washington's global clout. "American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said. The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries. The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind". He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence. We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said. With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC. There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan withdrawing from the gathering reportedly after Saudi pressure. Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman. But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

Iran urges to fight against US 'economic terrorism' at Muslim summit

There's been another setback for Pakistan at UNHRC. Pakistan got no support for Kashmir resolution again.

Another setback for Pakistan at UNHRC, no support for Kashmir resolution

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